Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Drug-Free South Impacts Thousands Across Tennessee

Drugs are a problem in all communities. According to the UN, an estimated 210 million people internationally consume illegal drugs. This is why a group in Tennessee has taken it upon themselves to educate children across the Southern United States on the subject, and thereby create a drug-free South.



Drug-Free South is the name of the local chapter of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World. Its volunteers have been educating students in and around Tennessee since 2009. So far, the group has visited 30 counties across the state, enlightening over 15,000 kids and adults, and distributing more than 50,000 booklets. Anne Vallieres coordinates the local chapter, and has no intention of stopping until each child has the truth. She says, “It is so important that we reach these young people.  They so need the truth before they get caught up in drugs.”



The Foundation for a Drug-Free World is a nonprofit public benefit corporation that empowers youth and adults with factual information about drugs so they can make informed decisions and live drug-free. According to drugfreeworld.org, “No one, especially a young person, likes to be lectured about what he or she can or cannot do. Thus, we provide the facts that empower youth to choose not to take drugs in the first place.”



Drug-Free South provides a “Truth About Drugs” booklet, an informational pamphlet that details short- and long-term effects of drugs, common street names and myths that a drug dealer might use to make a sale.  The Foundation offers educational materials free of charge to educators and anyone who wants to learn more about drugs.



For more information or to receive a copy of the booklet, visit www.drugfreesouth.org.

Agencies Work Together to Bring Tennessee a Celebration for Human Rights Day

It has been 65 years since the ratification of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. And in Tennessee, a group of organizations is working to ensure that no one forgets it. A planning committee composed of representatives of the Tennessee Human Rights Commission, Metro Human Relations Commission, Church of Scientology, United Nations Association and others has been meeting in preparation of the anniversary of the day the declaration was signed, known today as Human Rights Day.

“We are working to educate those who don’t know about their rights,” says Chair of the Committee, Rev. Brian Fesler, who also pastors the Church of Scientology. “It has been sixty-five years, but most people have never even heard of the declaration, let alone the rights contained within.”

The event will begin with a reception and lead into a formal program which will feature key Tennessean speakers and awardees. The celebration centers around the Human Rights Lifetime Achievement awards and the Rising Advocate Award, given to individuals who show great promise in the field of human rights.
The event will be held December 10, 2013 from 4-6pm at the Sonny West Conference Center in the Howard Office Building, 700 2nd Avenue South in Nashville, Tennessee. There will be exhibits and a reception before the formal ceremony. The committee is still open to organizations who would like to be part of the planning process.

Please contact info@nashvillehumanrights.org for more information. For more information, visit www.nashvillehumanrights.org.

The Way to Happiness Participates in Health and Happiness Day in Nashville

The Way to Happiness participated alongside other non-profit organizations in the community to help spread knowledge and awareness about health and happiness this weekend in the Edgehill community.

Neighbors are fighting against lethargy and depression with Health and Happiness Day. “The purpose of Health and Happiness Day was to bring The Way to Happiness to communities in Nashville and educate residents,” says Rev. Brian Fesler who coordinates the local chapter of The Way to Happiness. The day included distribution of The Way To Happiness booklet to over 750 area resdidents, and a seminar by the local Chapter. Blood pressure screenings and information about the community garden as well.

The Way to Happiness is an international campaign for better living centered around the book of the same name by L. Ron Hubbard. It is comprised of 21 precepts which point out that one’s survival depends on the survival of others—without the survival of others, neither joy nor happiness is attainable. The book has inspired an international movement with over 95 million copies passed hand to hand in over 180 countries and territories, in more than 100 languages.

“The first thing the book teaches you is you have to take care of yourself,” says Rev. Fesler. “People came out, had some fun, and went home better off,”

For more information on The Way to Happiness, or to order a copy of the booklet, visit thewaytohappiness.org.

Church of Scientology Community News: Family of Abraham Creating Relationships Amongst Diversity

The Family of Abraham is a group of Nashvillians representing the Abrahamic Faiths of Christianity, Judaism and Islam, as well as other faiths. The group champions religious freedom and is dedicated to ending bigotry and intolerance through education. Currently the group is planning an event for August 22, meant to be a conversation about diversity. Randolph Lowry, president of Lipscomb University will be the guest speaker and will talk about "Creating Relationships in the Midst of Diversity."

Lowry's appearance signals the Nashville community's widening interest in engaging in dialogue and creating an accepting and tolerant city, according to Family of Abraham.

A panel of local human rights and religious freedom advocates will respond to Lowry's message. The panel is comprised of Dr. Amir Arain, Professor of Neurology for Vanderbilt University as well as President of the Islamic Center of Nashville; Caroline Blackwell, Executive Director of the Metro Nashville Human Relations Commission; and Steve Ivey, the CEO of Ivey Music International.

The event is planned for August 22 at 7pm at First Presbyterian Church on Franklin Road.

The Way to Happiness Plans Health and Happiness Day in Nashville

Neighbors are fighting against lethargy and depression with Health and Happiness Day. “The purpose of Health and Happiness Day is to bring The Way to Happiness to communities in Nashville and at the same time educate residents,” says Rev. Brian Fesler who organizes the local chapter of The Way to Happiness. “We feel it is our responsibility to pass the book along. It can uplift whole societies, reduce crime and encourage cooperation.”

The Way to Happiness is an international campaign for better living centered around the book of the same name by L. Ron Hubbard. It is comprised of 21 precepts which point out that one’s survival depends on the survival of others—without the survival of others, neither joy nor happiness is attainable. In the two decades since it was authored, the book has inspired an international movement with some 95 million copies passed hand to hand in 180 countries in more than 100 languages.

“Teaching positive values and a moral way of life has been out of vogue. It is time to bring back the higher standards of our great-grandparents, and we are working to do so,” says Rev. Fesler.

During Health and Happiness Day, residents will not only receive a copy of the booklet, but will have the opportunity to learn how to live healthier. “There will be blood pressure testing, nutritional information and more,” says Rev. Fesler. The first precept of the book is “Take Care of Yourself,” and, according to Fesler, this includes eating well, getting enough rest and receiving care when ill.

For more information on The Way to Happiness, or to order a copy of the booklet, visit thewaytohappiness.org.

Planning Begins for Tennessee Celebration of Human Rights Day

Human Rights Day is celebrated in grand style each year in Tennessee on December 10th. A committee composed of the Tennessee Human Rights Commission, Metro Human Relations Commission, Church of Scientology, United Nations Association and others has begun meeting in preparation of the event.

“Human rights as a subject is not being taught enough,” says Committee Chair Rev. Brian Fesler, who also pastors the Church of Scientology. “We are talking about the basic rights entitled to every man, woman and child, and people deserve to know their rights.”

The event will begin with a reception and lead into a formal program which will feature key Tennessean speakers and awardees. It centers around the Human Rights Lifetime Achievement awards and the Rising Advocate Award. The Rising Advocate award is given to individuals who show great promise in the field of human rights, whereas the Lifetime Achievement goes to those who have worked for human rights the majority of their career.

The committee is welcoming new organizations to participate in the planning or to have a booth at the event. For more information, visitwww.nashvillehumanrights.org.

Dianetics Makes Learning About the Mind Easy For Everyone

“What is the source of irrational behavior? How can you increase your mind’s potential?” Those are the questions that will be answered at an upcoming seminar hosted by the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation in Nashville.

“We’ve been hosting weekly seminars for the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation for several years now,” says Rev. Brian Fesler, pastor of the Nashville Church of Scientology. “Our staff are very in tune with the mind, and know how to deliver the information so attendees get it.”

The book “Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health” is an in-depth look into the full realm of data about the inner workings of the mind. “People can take a course on this matter and learn more about the mind in a weekend seminar on Dianetics than four years of college,” says Fesler.

The book was first published on May 9, 1950, sparking a movement with newly forming Dianetics groups popping up across the country to use its techniques to better themselves, family and friends. Today, 63 years later, its impact is still felt around the world. The counselors of Dianetics are called “auditors” from the Latin word audire which means “to listen.” Auditors are trained in the subject of Dianetics to listen and, with precise questions, direct someone to uncovering the reason for life’s troubles.

For more information on Dianetics or auditing, visit dianetics.org or call the Foundation at 615-687-4600.

Drug-Free South Makes a Difference at National Night Out

Over 20 million Americans, or 8% of the population aged 12 or older, used illegal drugs within a one month period, according to National Survey on Drug Use and Health of 2008. This is why the Foundation for a Drug-Free World is spreading its education initiatives further.

Anne Vallieres coordinates the local chapter, Drug-Free South. “When you have an increased knowledge of something, you become more responsible and need to do something about it,” she says, “so by providing a working knowledge of what drugs really do to a person, young people recognize they shouldn’t be taking them.”

At this recent event, Drug-Free South had a booth open to everyone in the community where they could stop by, ask questions, and get answers and true information on drugs to take home to read and share with others. Also during this event, The Drug-Free South leaders held a forum in the local community center to a group of around 40 individuals who were interested in learning more about the truth about drugs on a more personal level.

This program highlights and brings attention to this issue of drugs in our communities like never before. Drug-Free South has been educating students in and around Tennessee since 2009. So far, the group has enlightened over 15,000 students across 30 counties in the state.

The Foundation is a nonprofit public benefit corporation that empowers youth and adults with factual information about drugs so they can make informed decisions and live drug-free. It provides a “Truth About Drugs” booklet, an informational pamphlet that details short- and long-term effects of drugs, common street names and myths that a drug dealer might use to make a sale. The Foundation offers educational materials free of charge to educators and anyone who wants to learn more about drugs.

For more information, or to get your own copy of the booklet, visit www.drugfreesouth.org.

Instilling Values with The Way to Happiness in Nashville Communities

Violent crime in Nashville is nearly three times the national average according to city-data.com, causing The Way to Happiness chapter to increase its efforts and plan even further distribution and dissemination of the booklet. The Way to Happiness was written by author, humanitarian and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard in 1981 to address the decline of the society and provide a path that can be followed by any person to attain a happier, more prosperous and more fulfilling life.

And though the author is widely known for his religious writings, The Way To Happiness is secular and applicable to anyone. “Entirely nonreligious, The Way to Happiness is both unique and powerful, whether in the hands of individuals or nations,” according to scientology.org, “given by one friend or associate to another, The Way to Happiness fills a moral void in this increasingly immoral society.”

Those distributing the booklet report that when it is spread throughout communities afflicted by violence, gangs and racism, it has brought calm and peace. The booklet has been used in thousands of prisons and its message has restored self-respect among the most hardened criminals, guiding them onto the path to becoming useful and contributing members of society.

The Nashville chapter is participating in a series of events to distribute the booklet and even has planned an event to distribute over 1,700 booklets to community members. “We have to reach everyone with this message,” says Chris Hays who coordinates the Nashville chapter, “the information is invaluable and every single person deserves to have it.”

More than 100 million copies of “The Way To Happiness” have been distributed in 205 countries and territories since its initial publication in the early 1980s. To learn more about The Way to Happiness, visit thewaytohappiness.org.

Drug-Free South Changes Lives Through Lectures and Booklets

Over 20 million Americans, or 8% of the population aged 12 or older, used illegal drugs within a one month period, according to National Survey on Drug Use and Health of 2008.  This is why the Foundation for a Drug-Free World has plans to spread its education initiatives further in the coming months.

Anne Vallieres coordinates the local chapter, Drug-Free South.  “When you have an increased knowledge of something, you become more responsible and need to do something about it,” she says, “so by providing a working knowledge of what drugs really do to a person, young people recognize they shouldn’t be taking them.”  

Vallieres says this program doesn’t just tell a student to say no. “We give them the truth. The students decide for themselves to say no.”

Drug-Free South has been educating students in and around Tennessee since 2009. So far, the group has enlightened over 15,000 students across 30 counties in the state. The proof is in the results, as one school principal has said, “Today our students had the opportunity to enjoy an educational presentation from the program ‘The Truth About Drugs.’ The presentation shared a vast amount of valuable information about drugs, and it was presented in such a way that our students were able to understand the message. As a result, I believe our students will be inspired to make wise decisions as it relates to drugs. The program really supports our goal… helping students become the best they can be.”

The Foundation is a nonprofit public benefit corporation that empowers youth and adults with factual information about drugs so they can make informed decisions and live drug-free. It provides a “Truth About Drugs” booklet, an informational pamphlet that details short- and long-term effects of drugs, common street names and myths that a drug dealer might use to make a sale.  The Foundation offers educational materials free of charge to educators and anyone who wants to learn more about drugs.

For more information, or to get your own copy of the booklet, visit www.drugfreesouth.org.

Nashville Hubbard Dianetics Foundation Raises Awareness About the Mind

"What is the source of irrational behavior? How can you increase your mind’s potential?” Those are the questions posed to the curious explorer who first visits the website dianetics.org. This is followed by an interactive journey through a forest to the top of an exploding volcano, out of which rises a high-tech video screen that plays an introduction to the subject of Dianetics.

Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health was published on May 9, 1950, sparking a movement with newly forming Dianetics groups popping up across the country to use the techniques in the book to better themselves, family and friends. Today, these groups form under the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation. In Nashville, the Foundation is reaching out to spread the word of Dianetics and help people across the South.

The book Dianetics was written for the man on the street to better himself. Now, 63 years later, its impact is still felt around the world. The counselors of Dianetics are called “auditors” from the Latin word audire which means “to listen.” Auditors are trained in the subject of Dianetics to listen and, with precise questions, direct someone to uncovering the reason for life’s troubles.

Auditors are honored each year in September by the Church at a special ceremony. Pastor of the Church in Nashville, Rev. Brian Fesler says, “We are very excited to honor our auditors this year. Our founder, L. Ron Hubbard recognized that auditors are an elite group in their ability to help man.”

A person can be trained on the basic subject of Dianetics in just one weekend, or can undergo more intensive training on the subject. For more information on Dianetics or auditing, visit dianetics.org or call the Foundation at 615-687-4600.